A team of Japanese researchers led by the Riken Center and the University of Tokyo has developed a plastic that completely decomposes in seawater within a few hours . This breakthrough, presented in the journal Science, promises to combat microplastic pollution.
How was the new biodegradable plastic developed?
This new plastic, based on supramolecular chemistry, uses polymers that are easily disintegrated by the salinity of the water. The material is composed of ionic monomers connected by reversible bonds. These bonds allow its resistance during use and its rapid degradation in the ocean .
This chemical approach was carefully planned so that the plastic disintegrates within a few hours, eliminating the generation of microplastics . In the manufacturing process, the salts present in the reaction medium play a key role by forming the salt bonds that determine the structure of the plastic. Once in the ocean, these natural salts break the bonds, allowing the complete decomposition of the material and regenerating its original components, which are not harmful to the marine environment.
Differences between new plastic and other biodegradable materials
Additionally, plastic has characteristics that set it apart from other biodegradable materials . It is recyclable, non-flammable, and does not generate CO₂ emissions during its production or decomposition . Furthermore, it can be molded at temperatures above 120 degrees, making it versatile for industrial and commercial applications. These properties were designed to ensure that the material can replace conventional plastics without compromising functionality or safety.
On the TecnoXplora portal, they mention that experts hope that this technology will be widely implemented , helping to mitigate the environmental impact of traditional plastics. Joaquín Martínez Urreaga, from the Polytechnic University of Madrid, described the advance as ” a promising alternative to tackle marine pollution .”
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Source: Science
Photo: Shutterstock
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